Austin vs Killeen: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Austin, TX and Killeen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Killeen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $257,729▲ | $249,082 |
| Hourly Rate | $123.90▲ | $119.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $225,559▲ | $155,757 |
| 25th Percentile | $225,559▲ | $210,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $453,959▲ | $312,311 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $453,959▲ | $376,423 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 35 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Killeen.
The salary gap between Austin and Killeen is $8,647 (3.47%). Austin's median is +3.55% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $228,400,Killeen spans $220,666. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($262,812 effective) pays 1.29% more than Killeen ($259,460 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($257,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($453,959)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $262,812)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Killeen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Austin grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.3% growth in Killeen over the same period.
Austin, TX
$220,335 (2024) → $244,990 (2025)
Killeen, TX
$158,580 (2019) → $236,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Killeen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Austin or Killeen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Killeen?
Should I relocate from Austin to Killeen as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Austin vs Killeen?
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov